HMC response to the announcement of an Ofsted-led review of safeguarding policies in schools

In response to the announcement of an Ofsted-led review of safeguarding policies in state and independent schools and a new NSPCC helpline for young people who are potential victims of sexual abuse, HMC General Secretary Dr Simon Hyde said:

“The way young people are living their lives is changing all the time, and it is important that they have a variety of places they can go for help if they need it.

“Safeguarding is schools’ number one priority and they will welcome the opportunity to make sure the framework is relevant to young people and the way they want to share what is happening to them. More guidance will be helpful as long as it is informed by genuine understanding.

“A wider review than safeguarding in schools might eventually be needed to bring about the changes to behaviour which we all want to see, but in the meantime we look forward to working with the police, victim support groups and social care representatives to do the very best we can for young people.”